RECIPES

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

save
Share:

It’s the deconstructed version of the jalapeno poppers appetizer—but this pasta dish with a spicy kick is even more delicious with three types of cheese and bacon.

Wisconsin Cheese Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

Active Time

50 Minutes

Servings

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked cavatappi pasta
1 pound thick-cut bacon
4 medium jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (8 ounces) Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese, cut into small cubes
8 ounces Arena SpringGreen™ Colby-Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)
4 ounces Ron’s Wisconsin Mild or Medium Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
Cayenne pepper to taste

Cheese

Look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge when shopping for cheese. Any brand of Wisconsin Aged Cheddar, Colby-Monterey Jack, Cream Cheese or Young Cheddar can be used in this recipe.

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Keep warm.
Meanwhile, fry bacon, in batches, in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. When cool enough to handle, crumble bacon. Set aside 2 tablespoons bacon.
Sauté jalapeno peppers in butter and reserved bacon drippings in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in flour until combined. Gradually stir in milk and salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the cream cheese, colby-jack and cheddar until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in the pasta, bacon and cayenne pepper to taste. Garnish with reserved bacon.

Recipe Tip

Avoid touching face when handling jalapeno peppers. Consider wearing gloves, as oils may burn skin.

Cheesemonger Tip

Do you have questions when shopping for cheese? Ask the cheesemonger! A cheesemonger specializes in the buying and selling of high-quality cheese, usually available in the specialty section of a grocery store or cheese shop. Knowledgeable and passionate, a cheesemonger is a go-to resource for cheese varieties and pairings, proper cheese storage and handling, its cooking applications and cheese brand information.

Colby-jack, or co-jack, is a mild, semi-hard cheese crafted with a blend of colby and monterey jack. With its two-toned color, colby-jack makes a lovely addition to a fruit and cheese platter.

Like the recipe?

Please leave a review! For more recipes, visit WisconsinCheese.com